Archive for September, 2009
You are currently browsing the Life.Love.Couture. blog archives for September, 2009.
You are currently browsing the Life.Love.Couture. blog archives for September, 2009.
It’s obvious we better jump on a trend quickly when two of the industry’s most renowned designers, in two of fashion’s top cities, make it the center focus of their newest collections. The good thing is that Ralph Lauren and D&G, very different designers indeed, offer completely different takes on the trend, allowing consumers to truly come up with their own unique interpretations. Ralph uses denim in a much more polished tone, think 1900’s newsies meet a Cinderella farm girl “rags to riches” story. D&G on the other hand was a bit more rugged, establishing a very apparent sexy, glam cowgirl theme throughout the entire show. Both equally as fun, we leave them to you to decide which is a better fit for your personal style. Either way, we’re excited that denim is back in a way other than boring ole’ jeans.
Xx MAK

Photos courtesy of: Matthew Mahon, S. Jaspert, Zevs and Jonathan Seliger
Those who say fashion isn’t art have officially been proven wrong. This is what happens when some of today’s most popular contemporary artists get to some of fashion’s most renowned logos: Prada Marfa Print by Matthew Mahon, Hermes Rock Painting by S. Jaspert, Chanel Graffiti Painting by Zevs and Gucci Shopping Bag Sculpture by Jonathan Seliger. I first discovered the incredible work of Jonathan Seliger while walking past a gallery on Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue. A gigantic Chanel shopping bag obviously caught my eye as one of the most personally coveted art pieces of all time! I then began to notice my favorite brands popping up on walls and in living rooms all over the place so I decided it was time to share with the world: Fashion as Art. Enjoy!
Xx MAK
The best thing about showing next Spring at September Fashion Week…comparing it to LAST Spring’s sales! L.L.C. has done the dirty work for you this time (yes, we admit it’s because we love it) and scoured our fave online store for the best deals on pieces we can buy now and wear later. We’ve taken the most popular trends from the S/S 2010 runways and brought you the equivalent, not only are these rockin’ buys available now (so you can get a few more weeks out of the warm-weather pieces) but they’ve also been slashed down to a fraction of the original retail price! You’re Welcome.
A-symmetrical Jumpsuits:
1) Black Halo Kelly Romper – $241.50
2) T-Bags One Shoulder Romper – $123.20
Pastel Florals
1) American Retro Kyoto Blouse – $132.50
2) Tibi Tallulah Pleated Dress – $212.50
3) Elizabeth & James Tulip Dress – $247.50
Lace-up Peep-toe Booties
1) Jean-Michel Cazabat Christa Cutout Lace Pumps – $180
2) Opening Ceremony Lace Up Open Toe Ankle Booties – $117
3) Moschino Jersey Open Toe Lace Up Pumps – $165
Studded Details
1) Foley & Corinna Studded Linen Jacket – $96.90
2) Golden Goose Studded Suede Vest – $391.50
3) Pour La Victoire Ange Studded High Heel Sandals – $89.40
Sheer Patchwork
1) Pencey Pirate Blouse – $174.30
2) Vanessa Bruno Drape Top – $260.50
Xx MAK
We’ve recently become big fans of the new online consignment shop, Covetshop.com and their incredible collection of luxury, high-fashion brands offered at a fraction of the retail price. Yet while shopping online is often easy, fun and addicting, there is nothing like the real thing! For one night only, Covet Shop will be hosting a shopping event, in conjunction with their dear friends at Alma Salon, where customers can touch, see and even try on the goods. Alma will be offering 10% off of salon services booked that night and shoppers can enjoy complimentary cocktails while browsing through Chanel Jackets, Louis Vuitton Bags, Balenciaga Dresses and Manolo Blahnik shoes…just to name a few. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity. We know we’ll be there early!
Xx MAK
A-symmetry was a clear theme for Spring 2010 collections…one shoulder, one sleeve, bias cut, half-overlays and so on and so forth but there was one piece that kept showing up over and over again…the A-symmetrical Jumpsuit. In all its various shapes and forms, this new take on last season’s most popular 24 hr. trend is sure to be a hit on and off the runway. We absolutely love playful floral rompers like Rebecca Taylor’s version for day and single-sleeve black velvet bodysuits like Tibi’s are as sexy-chic as it gets for night. Merchandise it up with layered rocker chains or down with gladiator sandals (we obviously love Matt Bernson’s KM Gladiators) but we assure you, you will get your money’s worth out of this one, so our advice…start thrifting now because these stunners were definitely all over the place a decade ago as well, so you can get a serious head start (and probably for 1/4 of the price.)
Xx MAK
No words…words can’t express how we feel about Marchesa. It was love at first sight when they debuted their first collection in 2004 and they have been the goddesses of gowns ever since (along with our beloved Monique Lhuillier of course.) Each season they blow our minds with pieces that have topped those that came before them and this time is no different, we are simply in awe. Re-inventing themselves over and over again, Keren and Georgina have proven that they are here to stay and rightfully steak their claim. Each gown unique in its own right, yet incredibly cohesive as a collection…a series of over the top styles of perfectly draped and bundled chiffon, laser-cut two-tone satin and hand-beaded show-stopping embellishments…we simply die. Ok, I guess we have some words but they don’t begin to show our love. Although we did get to meet the designers at Fashion’s Night Out, who were as sweet as their playful lavender cocktail dress, and trust me, we had plenty to say! We will be loyal to you always Marchesa.
Xx MAK
It seems Spring 2010 is a bit all over the place but we are noticing some fab new trends all over the runways & we are so excited to share them with you, so that you can be first to rock them! Our very favorite so far is a new take on a very old classic: the legging becomes a little racier, a little more rocker and a lot fresher with the new patchwork motorcycle leggings that have been popping up on models throughout Fashion Week. Whether they’re lace & leather, matte & metallic or spandex & sheer, everyone from Nicole Miller & Jill Stuart to Preen & Wayne are finishing their latest looks with these smokin’ new bottoms. Dress them up, down, make a statement, be subtle, any way you style them, they are definitely the way to go…so get a head start because these babies are seasonless!
Xx MAK
Why is Shopbop brilliant? Lookbooks with starring their own merchandise…editorial style ads that make us want EVERYTHING! That’s why.
Some say he’s the new Marchesa, some say this generations’ Marc Jacobs and others pay the highest of compliments stating that he is following closely in the footsteps of mentors Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. We think, he is simply brilliant.
His second season under his own namesake, at the ripe age of 23, Siriano has wowed us once again with his dramatic interpretations of everything from the classic pencil skirt to the gala-worthy ballgown. Inspired this season by the beautiful sites and experiences of Mediterranean travel, the designer turned an aerial photograph, “flipped, modified, repeated and saturated with Volcanic and Oceanic colors,” into strikingly draped, ruched and ruffled statement pieces. Volume is always key in any Christian Siriano collection and he has remained true to his signature aesthetic with larger than life pieces that are sure to glamorize anyone lucky enough to slip them on. Even his shoe collection for Payless looks like it can hold its’ own among the best of them. Talk about fierce!
Xx MAK
We all know Nicole Miller can do dresses…they are her MO after all. But who knew she could rock jackets like the stunners on her Spring ‘10 runway? Exquisitely cut mini dresses adorned with sequins, ruching, sheer panels and asymmetrical draping are complemented by outerwear perfection…everything from the sharp shoulder satin blazer to the double-collared leather biker jacket was constructed with just the right combination of sexy & sporty. Miller says this collection was “more about the way I dress,” well whatever the inspiration, she nailed it this season.
Xx MAK